St John of God

The story of today's saint, "St. John of God" is quite an interesting one. John was searching for God, and found Him in the preaching of blessed John of Avila. In fact he was so moved with love of God, and guilt for his sins that he took to publically mortifying himself, with the expected consequences.

While in Spain, John was profoundly moved by the preaching of Blessed John of Avila and in response spent a day publicly beating himself in repentance for his sins. John was thereupon committed to a lunatic asylum, where Blessed John visited him and advised him to be more active in caring for the needs of others, instead of enduring personal hardships.

This is in contrast to today when many confessionals are empty. Priests practically beg for people to show up.

The other interesting thing about this story that strikes home for me, is that it reminds us that St John of God lived in times not too different than we do. If any one of us had publically mortified ourselves as He did, we too would be thown into the local mental hospital, or put under "protective custody". Luckily for St John, blessed John of Avila directed him into a more productive direction.

his advice had a calming effect, and John went on to establish a house where he cared for the poor and the sick. His love and devotion touched many people, and benefactors aided his efforts with money and provisions.

And lest we think that the church in the United States is alone in being riddled with bad clergy, St John also had his issues as well.

On one occasion the Archbishop of Granada summoned John because of a complaint that his hospital was open to prostitutes and tramps. John fell on his knees and said, "The Son of Man came for sinners, and we are bound to seek their conversion. I am unfaithful to my vocation because I neglect this, but I confess that I know of no bad person in my hospital except myself alone, who am indeed unworthy to eat the bread of the poor." Profoundly moved by this, the Archbishop became one of John's strongest supporters.

I think we forget that the saints also lived in this world and were not immune from the everyday hardships that we all face. Sometimes it's important to look at these individuals, who also struggled with the very same issues we do, and to see how they overcame them

Pax Christi